Working with Gears and & Crude tools

I found myself stuck when the metal gears were not the same as 'gears'. I could not make certain things such as a normal worker bot, or a windmill. I then found myself unable to make other creations due to my crude tools not being what they wanted (they asked for wood, not crude) and thus would not work. I have beat the game (from what i can tell) and love it. I could use some help, thank you...

P.s - boats would be nice so we could explore the rest of the world. :)